best filter for a 55 gal?

Member Posts : 34 Age : 53

just wondering what kind of filter people would recommend for a 55 gal community aquarium?

Subject: Re: best filter for a 55 gal? Thu Jul 02, 2009 1:01 am

Is it stocked heavy?

The Turtle Whisperer Posts : 1930

If money isn't a concern, on a 55g tank I would get a Rena xp3 for it.

Otherwise, I have used in the past dual Emperor 400s and dual Hagen Liberty 2042s (I think) it was the ones rated for up to 50 gallons.

Mike D seems to like these a whole bunch on initial testing and next time I need a HOB filter I'll be testing out one as well: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=16729

I've heard good things about the Eheim 2227/2229 as well, but haven't tried one out yet either.

Subject: Re: best filter for a 55 gal? Thu Jul 02, 2009 8:03 am

I also have an XP3 and I love it but the only down fall is if you break the quick disconect it could be hard to replace if planetrena.com is out of stock. I've been waiting for almost a year to get my new one and it only cost me $36 bucks.

I do like the filters Saint pointed out.

Subject: Re: best filter for a 55 gal? Thu Jul 02, 2009 10:21 am

I agree it does depend on how much you are willing to spend.

For me I would use an Emperor 400 HOB. For the price it is a great filter.

Member Posts : 79 Age : 47

Cheap and easy is a couple of AC 110's. They can definitely hold a heavily stocked tank and they keep the water crystal clear.

Keeper

Subject: Re: best filter for a 55 gal? Thu Jul 02, 2009 11:47 pm

DragonKeeper wrote:: Cheap and easy is a couple of AC 110's. They can definitely hold a heavily stocked tank and they keep the water crystal clear.

Keeper

I did this on a 55 for two years and DragonKeeper is right the water was always crystal clear! I never had one problem with them. Smile

Subject: Re: best filter for a 55 gal? Fri Jul 03, 2009 10:31 pm

I would run two but that is just me! All the above choices are good, Two Emperor 280's would be good.

Subject: Re: best filter for a 55 gal? Fri Jul 03, 2009 11:20 pm

I run 2 HOB's on my 72g. I have an AC110 on my oscar and JD tanks and the tanks are clear.

The Turtle Whisperer Posts : 1930

Mike: Did you call Rena for the part? Any time I've broken anything off any of the ones here I've just called Rena direct and they've been awesome about getting me stuff.

Subject: Re: best filter for a 55 gal? Sat Jul 04, 2009 12:29 am

I didn't think of that.

Member Posts : 34 Age : 53

found a fluval 305 canister on sale so grabbed that for the tank. had 2 hob on it before and they weren't cutting it with the tank. It looks better already and has only been running a couple days.

for the tank stock, it is a little heavy. The pleco is bout a foot long and only a year, the parrot cichlid, 2 ropefish bout a foot long each, 1 black ghostknife that is bout 5 inches, 1 cloud minnow left (others eaten but this one is quick), 2 loaches, and a chinese algae eater.

BTW if anyone in calgary alberta is interested in a pleco and or a chinese algae eater let me know.

The Turtle Whisperer Posts : 1930

Long term you're gonna need a bigger boat. Smile

Member Posts : 34 Age : 53

yeah i know, but for now it's working.

Subject: Re: best filter for a 55 gal? Wed Sep 09, 2009 9:10 am

XP3's are great. I'm having issues with the ac110's so I wouldn't reccomend them but thats MO

The Turtle Whisperer Posts : 1930

I know some people love them but I've never had great luck with the ACs either Mike.

Subject: Re: best filter for a 55 gal? Wed Sep 09, 2009 11:48 pm

Ditto...so much hype but I will never buy another AC filter.

Subject: Re: best filter for a 55 gal? Tue Sep 22, 2009 8:43 pm

i found an eheim on craigslist for $40 with hoses and i just made my own spouts/two inlets and two oulets. circulates the water very well and is crystal clear

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best filter for a 55 gal?

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